About Us

What is COATS?

COATS is a charity whose objective is to promote the welfare of Senior Citizens within Crowthorne and the surrounding area.
It is a registered charity and is managed by a committee of Trustees.

WHAT DOES COATS DO?

It runs the COATS Centre at Pinewood Avenue, Crowthorne, which provides companionship, lunches, teas, activities, entertainment and services for local elderly older people.

HISTORY

COATS bought Woodmancote in 1970 when it became the first Centre of its kind in Berkshire, and possibly in the country, to be run completely by a voluntary organisation. Uniquely, COATS still maintains this independence. The Centre was added to the main house to extend its care services to provide a Day Centre.
Woodmancote continued to be used as a residential Respite Care Home until October 2003 when new legislation meant the home ceased to be financially viable on its small scale. The House has recently been renovated and is now leased to young adults requiring supported living.

WHY ARE WE CALLED COATS?

The name is an acronym for ‘Crowthorne Old Age to Teen Society’. The Charity was set up in the 1960s. The idea that young people could contribute to the community by helping the elderly was embraced in the name. Originally teenagers helped to raise funds through babysitting and other activities. Young people continue to be involved by helping in the COATS Charity Shop and at the Centre.

HOW IS THE CENTRE RUN?

The COATS Centre is run by a Manager who acts as a focal point for all the activities held there. The Manager ensures the smooth running of the Centre, co-ordinates training of staff and volunteers and ensures that information goes out promptly to those who seek it. The Charity also employs two Care Assistants, a Cook, Assistant Cook and a Cleaner. Our members of staff are all trained to the highest appropriate levels and are continually updating their skills.

It is important to stress that the Centre also depends on its committed band of volunteers who assist with cooking, serving meals and entertaining.

Every Wednesday afternoon students from Wellington College come in to help with games. We have students in on placement from Bracknell & Wokingham College who are studying Health & Social Care during term time and we currently have students from Edgebarrow School helping in the kitchen.